Posted on September 5, 2025 by Keeen

Chemical Contaminants in Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are essential parts of our daily diet for maintaining good health. However, did you know that the produce we consume may contain more chemical residues than we think? These chemicals often come from agricultural practices, such as pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and other protective agents used in farming. When ingested in large amounts over time, these residues can negatively impact health—causing allergic reactions, weakening the immune system, increasing the risk of cancer, and even affecting the nervous system.

In addition to chemicals, fruit and vegetable surfaces may also carry other contaminants such as insect eggs, pollen, or invisible pathogens that can lead to foodborne illnesses. Therefore, properly cleaning produce before consumption is critical to reduce the risks associated with chemical residues and hidden contaminants.

How to Wash Fruits and Vegetables Safely and Effectively

Proper washing is one of the most effective ways to reduce chemical residues, pathogens, and impurities. Since each type of produce has different surface characteristics, the cleaning methods should be adapted accordingly.

1. Leafy Greens (e.g., kale, lettuce, coriander, basil)

• Risks: Pesticides, fungicides, parasite eggs, dust
• Recommended method:
  • Soak in clean water for 5–10 minutes to loosen dirt and some chemical residues.
  • Use a natural food-grade vegetable wash approved by the FDA.
  • Gently agitate in clean water to remove impurities.
  • Rinse under running water 2–3 times and drain.

2. Edible-Skin Fruits & Vegetables (e.g., cucumbers, tomatoes, grapes, apples

• Risks: Surface coatings, wax, fungicides, oil residues
• Recommended method:
  • Rinse under running water to remove surface dirt.
  • Use a soft brush for smooth-skinned fruits like apples or grapes.
  • Soak in clean water or saltwater for 5–10 minutes, or use FDA-approved food-grade produce washes.
  • Rinse again with clean water.

3. Rough-Surface Produce (e.g., cabbage, broccoli, strawberries)

• Risks: Dust, parasite eggs, pesticide residues in crevices
• Recommended method:
  • Soak in clean water for 5 minutes.
  • Shake or rinse under running water to remove dirt and insects.
  • Use food-grade vegetable wash, or soak in saltwater/vinegar for 10 minutes.
  • Rinse again with clean water.

4. Thick-Skinned Produce (e.g., melons, oranges, cantaloupe)

• Risks: Dirt and pathogens on the peel that can transfer during cutting
• Recommended method:
  • Scrub the peel gently with a brush under running water.
  • Dry before peeling to prevent cross-contamination.

5. Root Vegetables (e.g., potatoes, carrots, radishes)

• Risks: Soil, fungi, pesticide penetration
• Recommended method:
  • Brush off soil while rinsing under running water.
  • Soak in clean water for 10 minutes, then rinse again.

Proper washing ensures produce is safer, cleaner, and significantly reduces the risk of chemical residue exposure.

How to Choose the Right Cleaning Product?

The key is combining correct washing techniques with safe, high-performance cleaning products. One such solution is KEEEN Fruit and Veggie Sanitizer, developed with Oxygen Power Based biotechnology. This innovation works effectively to remove bacteria, pathogens, and chemical residues, as well as invisible contaminants, while being safe for consumers.

• Kills bacteria and pathogens: Oxygen Power Based formula eliminates microorganisms on produce surfaces.
• Reduces chemical residues: Helps remove pesticides and fertilizers.
• Removes impurities: Effectively cleans dust, dirt, and soil particles.
• Certified safe: Approved by the Thai FDA and globally recognized by NSF.
• Easy to use: Simply soak produce in water mixed with KEEEN for thorough cleaning.

Why Choose KEEEN Fruit and Veggie Sanitizer?

• Advanced Oxygen Power Based innovation ensures deep cleaning.
• Scientifically proven to reduce chemical residues and bacteria.
• Meets global food safety standards for consumer protection.
• Easy, convenient, and effective for households, food businesses, and industries alike.